Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
IMHO, a Ti frame with CF seat stays defeats the one biggest remaining advantage of having a Ti frame-- durability. Today, its possible to build a CF frame that is lighter than virtually any Ti frame, stiffer laterally, and as vetically compliant for comfort. So the best reason to buy a Ti frame today is that it is very durable, will survive crashes that would likely destroy a CF frame, and cosmetically will retain its appearance through years of use and abuse. By adding CF into the frame, you suddenly have a frame that is no more durable than a CF frame, and you've lost the advantage of a Ti frame in the first place.
Originally Posted by StanSeven
I did lots of test rides on many, many bikes. I really couldn't tell much difference with CF stays on both Ti and Al. Where the CF did make a difference is with the top tube (Serrota Ottrott, Merlin Ciero, Seven Elium, etc.). That made the ride more "comfortable" but actually it was almost too soft a sensation for what I wanted.
Thanks for the inputs, all. Though views on this are conflicting, which I kind of expected, it points out the importance of my taking the test rides with both. Having never ridden a Ti bike I'm not sure what to look for in the ride. But I know enough about the durability, and have heard enough about the smooth ride to be very interested in getting one.
I am considering the Serotta Fierte, a stock frame that lists for a mere $1895 (hint, hint for those who have said they can't afford Ti). It comes in both a Ti seatstay model or a carbon seatstay model. Somehow I need to find a LBS that has both in stock and in my size so I can compare.
http://www.serotta.com/pages/fierte_Ti.html